A quarterly professional standards report by Essex Police’s chief constable, Stephen Kavanagh, reports that there was an “inappropriate relationship” with a female.

An investigation into the case, which was classed as “significant” or “high profile” in the conduct and complaint category, was launched.

The officer has left their post and their details have been added to a national register.

Lindsay Whitehouse, deputy police and crime commissioner for Essex, said: “Where misconduct or errors of judgement occur, there should be a fair but rigorous disciplinary process.

“It is important to note that, including police officers, PCSOs, police staff and special constables, almost 6,000 people work for Essex Police.

“There are hundreds of thousands of interactions between the public and the force, often in difficult circumstances, every year, and the vast majority of these are conducted with the highest professional standards.

“Police officers and staff regularly exercise discretion as they try to resolve complex and challenging situations and keep the people of Essex safe.”

The report is published by the police and crime commissioner Nick Alston.

A motorcyclist who weaved in and out of traffic at speeds up to 148mph – believed to be the highest ever speed recorded in the UK by a rider carrying a pillion passenger – has today been banned from driving for 15 months.